Sam’s a coach in making

UP FOR A FIGHT: Leeds’ Brad Singleton BRIAN O’DRISCOLL has backed Sam Warburton to thrive as a coach after hanging up his boots.

Warburton retired from rugby on Wednesday at the age of 29 due to a series of injuries.

But his former British & Irish Lions team-mate O’Driscoll (below) thinks the flanker will now make a great coach.

“Absolutely he can succeed as a coach,” said O’Driscoll, who was speaking on behalf of HSBC Sport. “First of all, the most important aspect of being a coach is that you are respected.

“He has respect in abundance from those that have played against him, those that have watched him and those that have seen him interviewed, as well as those that have seen him present himself on and off the field.

“So that is a great starting point as a coach that you are respected, that your opinions are respected.

“I think he has a lot of opportunities ahead of him and I look forward to seeing him progress.”